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THE LIGHT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WORLD

​“A thrilling post apocalyptic tale, vividly described and emotionally rich.”

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

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​“Shah's debut is a fast-paced masterpiece from start to finish.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

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“A spectacular debut.”

BARNES & NOBLE TEEN

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“A thrilling journey packed with unexpected discoveries.”

KIRKUS REVIEWS​

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“A genre-blending stunner of a novel.”

BOOK RIOT​

 

“One of the most unique debuts of 2019. Sparkles with skill.”

TOR.COM​

 

“The best YA novel of the year.”

OPEN LETTERS REVIEW​

 

“A thrilling narrative to get lost in. We’ve never read anything quite like it.”

PASTE MAGAZINE​

 

“Science-fiction at its best.”

POP CULTURALIST

WELCOME TO 2099. TO A FUTURE WHEN THE ENTIRE PLANET IS SUBMERGED AND HUMANITY RESIDES DEEP UNDER THE SEAS. TO A PLACE WHERE THE TRUTH IS MURKIER THAN EVEN THE DARKEST DEPTHS, AND FEAR COURSES THROUGH EVERYONE'S LIVES.

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Hope had abandoned them to the wrath of all the waters.

In the last days of the twenty-first century, sea creatures swim through the ruins of London. Trapped in the abyss, humankind wavers between fear and hope—fear of what lurks in the depths around them, and hope that they might one day find a way back to the surface.

When sixteen-year-old submersible racer Leyla McQueen is chosen to participate in the prestigious annual marathon, she sees an opportunity to save her father, who has been arrested on false charges. The Prime Minister promises the champion whatever their heart desires. But the race takes an unexpected turn, forcing Leyla to make an impossible choice.

Now she must brave unfathomable waters and defy a corrupt government determined to keep its secrets, all the while dealing with a guarded, hotheaded companion she never asked for in the first place. If Leyla fails to discover the truths at the heart of her world, or falls prey to her own fears, she risks capture—or worse. And her father will be lost to her forever.

© Artwork by Shane Rebenshied. Designed by Sasha Illingworth.

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© SOFIA SHAH 2025

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